Consumers may be keen to recycle phones and purchase a new handset capable of supporting Orange's new high-definition (HD) calling service, such as the Nokia X6.

The network operator launched the new facility yesterday (September 1st 2010), becoming the first network in the UK to offer clearer calling via this technology.

A number of mobile phones are capable of supporting HD Voice, including the aforementioned Nokia X6, plus the 5230 and E5, and the Samsung Omnia Pro.

According to Tom Alexander, the chief executive of Orange UK's parent company Everything Everywhere, HD Voice offers customers a "revolutionary new calling experience".

He added: "Although what we use our mobile handsets for has evolved significantly in the past few years - the way we make mobile calls hasn't changed a great deal since the 1990s."

Everything Everywhere was officially formed on July 1st 2010 when Orange and T-Mobile integrated, creating Britain's biggest communications company in the process.

They have a combined customer base of more than 30 million people.